TOPRA - The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs’ Post

We are excited to share an insightful blog post discussing the achievements of Vice Chairman Bahauddin Hasan Majumdar and Acting Mayor Hafiz Uddin Ahmed over the past year. Stay updated with the latest developments by reading the full post here: https://ift.tt/DsXBH3V

Judicial and electoral reforms, have serious implications on our democracy, governance, leadership and its selection processes. The reason we are sustaining the dialogue is to work toward changing the narratives and ensure there is an overhaul to strengthen institutions and create functional systems for more credible and transparent leadership selection. The purpose of the annual colloquium for this year, anchored by Haske Satumari Foundation @haskesf

Engaging in a crucial discussion on fair elections and democratic values. Addressing the critical need for fair elections, the discussion highlighted the importance of a level playing field for all political parties, stressing the detrimental impact of frozen bank accounts on the opposition's election capabilities. Concerns were raised about the monopoly created by the ruling party in electoral funding and advertising, hindering fair competition. Moreover, the unjust treatment towards Congress in income tax matters was emphasized, pointing towards the challenges faced in maintaining an effective election campaign. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on ensuring fair elections and democratic principles. #rahulgandhi

While it's not common practice, a few countries have made strides in sharing performance assessments of cabinet ministers to varying degrees. Here are some notable examples: 1. Kenya: Performance Contracts: Introduced in 2014, cabinet secretaries (ministers) sign contracts outlining their performance targets. Public Review: The contracts are publicly available for review, fostering transparency and accountability. Annual Assessments: The President annually assesses the ministers' performance, with results sometimes made public. 2. Rwanda: Imihigo Performance Contracts: Ministers sign annual performance contracts (Imihigo) with specific goals and targets. Public Performance Review: Quarterly and annual reviews are held publicly, involving citizens and media. Performance-Based Rewards and Consequences: Ministers' continuation in office is linked to fulfilling their Imihigo commitments. 3. South Africa: Performance Agreements: Introduced in 1994, ministers sign agreements with the President, outlining responsibilities and performance expectations. Parliamentary Oversight: Parliament's Portfolio Committees review ministers' performance annually, with reports and question sessions. 4. Vietnam: Public Assessments of Ministries: The government annually publishes a report assessing the performance of ministries and agencies. Performance Ratings: Ministries and ministers receive ratings based on criteria like leadership, effectiveness, and service quality. 5. Ghana: Ministerial Performance Reports: The President publicly presents reports on ministers' performance to Parliament. Questioning and Debate: Parliamentarians question and debate the reports, enhancing accountability. Key Considerations: Transparency: Publicizing assessments can promote transparency and accountability, but it's crucial to balance this with potential privacy concerns. Objectivity and Fairness: Assessments should be based on clear, objective criteria to ensure fairness and avoid political bias. Political Context: The success of such initiatives can be influenced by the political culture and willingness of leaders to embrace transparency. Citizen Engagement: Fostering citizen participation in the assessment process can strengthen accountability and responsiveness. Conclusion: While not widespread, these examples demonstrate a growing trend toward greater transparency and accountability in cabinet performance assessment. It's worth noting that approaches vary, and context-specific factors play a significant role in implementation and outcomes.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on President Ramaphosa’s recent Cabinet and National Executive appointments, designed to accommodate the 11 parties in the government of national unity (GNU). This webinar will analyse the Cabinet and will also explore the roles of key leaders from the parties within this new executive structure, including DA, IFP, PA, FF , PAC, and Good. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into how these changes might impact the nation's future. https://lnkd.in/dRntcEeD

Last Tuesday we had our "first" online President Meeting with all presidents of the members of ANSE. In total 23 persons representing 18 Full members, Associate members and Network partners of ANSE and 5 ANSE board members. Nice to see familiar faces, and to welcome new presidents of several associations and to meet new network partners Poland and Bulgaria. Topics were: Statutes of ANSE, future of Presidents meetings and how to continue with the Quality Talks. It was a fruitful and inspiring meeting. Because this meeting was 10 months before our bi-annual General Assembly, the outcomes can be used for the GA. In the past the President Meeting was always one day before the GA and in that case, it was hard to use the outcomes. In the future we are planning to have these meetings more often. #ANSEsupervision #ANSE #ANSE_PM #PresidentMeeting

Dear PEng (Ontario) Colleagues, As you know, the voting period for the 2024 PEO Council Elections started on Friday January 12. Voting information was emailed to the members by [email protected] on Friday and over the weekend. If you have not received your Elector ID and Voting PIN please check the Spam/Junk folder. The list, statements and links to the Websites of candidates are at https://lnkd.in/gkskXWfg. Please also check the recent Council motions at https://lnkd.in/eXn_uSb. If you have concerns regarding the PEAK-based CPD related issues that members have been raising, please review the minutes of the 538th Meeting of Council - February 26, 2021 at https://lnkd.in/gmS6KhJN (and the CPD related motions and pertinent discussion). These will take some time if you are not familiar with the candidates and their platforms. Please cast your vote for a Council and its leadership that will be in compliance with the Act, and will respect the mandates of the legislated and standing committees and the professional engineers (members and volunteers). A council that will enhance our self-regulated profession by improving its relevance to the public and emerging disciplines, fair admissions process, and member inclusive peer review, knowledge- & evidence-based decision making, as well as increasing the transparency. As one of many examples revealing the need for these enhancements consider transparency. Late 2021, Council decided that for any discussion item to be included in the minutes the Council approval is required, even for discussion items pertaining to the duty of care and fiduciary duty of a Councillor: see the defeated motion at the 544th Meeting of Council November 19, 2021  https://lnkd.in/dU8mqZNj . It is good to see that the recorded Council meetings since January 2021 are now posted following many requests from a couple of councillors! Thank you for your continued support for self-regulation, Council and PEO.  #PEOelection

Should Secretary Cardona Be Replaced? Serious Questions & Analysis Explore the controversial topic of whether Secretary Cardona should continue in his role. Join the discussion and share your thoughts on the matter. #SecretaryCardona #EducationSecretary #PoliticalDiscussion #LeadershipAnalysis #GovernmentRole #CurrentEvents #PolicyDebate #PoliticalOpinions #EducationSystem #CabinetMember